Being involved in a vehicle crash can be incredibly scary, particularly accidents involving large commercial trucks. If you or somebody you care about has been injured and due to the careless or negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company in Philadelphia, there are various steps that you can take that could help you recover compensation for your losses. Here, we want to review the five most important steps that you need to take in the aftermath of a commercial truck accident.
Call the Police
Nearly every vehicle accident that occurs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has to be reported to law enforcement authorities. Truck accidents are no different. You need to call 911 and make sure the dispatcher knows that police need to come to the scene. If it looks like there are any injuries, you need to make sure to let them know so that fire and EMS personnel should also come to the scene. You need the police to fill out an accident report so you can use this as part of your case to recover compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
You must seek medical care as soon as possible after a crash involving a large commercial truck occurs in Pennsylvania. If you feel any pain or see any injuries at all, this is an emergency situation, and you need to be evaluated at the hospital. However, even if you do not feel any pain, do not take this to mean that you have sustained no injuries. The adrenaline coursing through your body after a crash occurs can mask the signs and symptoms of many serious injuries. You need to seek medical care and be evaluated by a health care professional regardless of whether or not you feel pain. Not only does this help ensure you are properly cared for, but it also establishes a link between the crash and your injuries.
Report the Incident to Your Insurer
You need to report the accident to your insurance carrier as soon as you can. This is a step you do not want to skip because it can affect the outcome of your case. Most insurance carriers have very strict reporting deadlines for any type of vehicle accident. When you make your initial report, you do not have to go into much detail with your insurance company. You need to let them know that the accident happened, where it happened, and the names and contact information of others involved.
Say as Little as Possible
Very soon after a large truck collision occurs, you will likely be contacted by the insurance carrier for the trucking company or the driver. You need to say as little as possible regardless of which insurance company you are talking to, including your own. State the facts of the case as you know them, but do not elaborate on details. Insurance claims adjusters are trained to get you to say as much as possible in an effort to get you to say something that could jeopardize your claim. Do not make any small talk, and do not think that these people are your friends. They are not, and they will do anything they can to limit how much money they pay you in a settlement.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer
You need to speak to a skilled truck accident lawyer in Philadelphia as soon as possible after a crash occurs. These cases can become immensely complicated, but an attorney can get to work gathering the evidence needed to prove liability right away. They can work through the court system to obtain evidence from recalcitrant truck drivers or trucking companies. They will also be able to engage in vigorous negotiations with other parties involved in order to recover the compensation you are entitled to.